Who Am I? (Founder Story)
Hi, I’m Sofia! I’m a 14-year-old girl from Maryland, and I started Tick Borne Inc. because this cause is deeply personal to me. When I was younger, my mom and I both went through the scary experience of Lyme disease. My mom was sick for a long time and I saw firsthand how a tiny tick bite could turn our world upside down. Thankfully, with treatment, I recovered, but the experience changed our lives.
Going through Lyme at a young age was tough, but it also lit a fire in me. I learned everything I could about ticks and the diseases they carry. I was shocked to find out how common these illnesses are and how many other kids and families were going through the same thing. I thought to myself, “Why isn’t everyone talking about this? What can I do?” Most 14-year-olds are busy with school, friends, and their cell-phones (and trust me, I love those things too) but I realized I wanted to do something more. I wanted to help people not feel as scared and alone as I felt when I was sick.
That’s why I founded Tick Borne Inc. I may be young, but I’ve learned that you’re never too young to make a difference! If you’re a kid or teen reading this: I want you to know your voice matters. Whether it’s ticks or any cause you care about, you can spark change. It might feel intimidating to speak up (I was super nervous at first), but you’re not alone. I’m right here with you, cheering you on! Tick Borne Inc. is as much yours as it is mine. It’s a community for young people (and grown-ups alike) to learn, share, and take action together. We mix science with a friendly vibe, and we aren’t afraid to throw in a joke or two to keep things positive:
- Why did the tick cross the road?
- Probably to get to you, so wear repellent! 😅
(Okay, tick humor might be an acquired taste.)
On a serious note, to anyone out there dealing with a tick-borne illness: I see you and I get it. It can be really hard: physically and emotionally. But you’ve got a community here that cares about you. We’re here to offer information, support, and a virtual hand to hold. My mom and I made it through Lyme, and we want to help others make it through, too.
Thank you for visiting Tick Borne Inc.! I’m so excited for you to explore the site. Check out the info pages to learn about different diseases and ticks (knowledge is power, after all), visit our prevention page to learn exactly how to avoid these bugs, and if you’re feeling inspired, head over to Get Involved – we’d love to have you join our lime-green family. Remember: even the smallest actions, like sharing what you learn with a friend or doing a tick check after a hike, can make a big difference. Let’s do this together!
Sincerely,
Sofia Planinshek – Founder of Tick Borne Inc. 💚